Newer sheets can feel stiff because of chemical residue leftover from the manufacturing process. Don't worry, there's nothing dangerous on your new sheets, and if that's the issue they should soften up quickly after a wash cycle.
Good quality sheets will become softer after every washing, drying and ironing cycle. For ultimate softness (and durability) buy good quality cotton sheets with a high thread count.
Simple ways to soften your sheets with products you probably already have stashed in your cupboards. And remember that good quality sheets, like a fine wine, will only get better and softer with age.
Here's a natural hack for learning how to make new bed sheets softer. Throw them into your washing machine, add one cup of baking soda, and run a full cycle using warm or hot water. During the rinse, add ½ cup of vinegar and switch to cold water. When your wash is complete, dry your sheets fully in your dryer.
Brand new sheets (of any material) usually come with a chemical coating that make them look and feel crisp (i.e. stiff) so they look better in the packaging. Older sheets can feel rough if they were washed and/or dried improperly. Sheets that have been in storage for a long time can dry out and feel rough.
There are two simple ingredients that can turn even basic, inexpensive sheets into silky soft bedding: baking soda and vinegar. All you have to do is toss those stiff sheets into the washer with 1 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar, and wash for one cycle.
Wash Sheets Multiple Times
This tip is time-consuming, but as a rule, the more you wash sheets, the softer the bedding becomes with every cycle. Adding fabric softener to the wash helps add an even more soft quality to your bedding.
Often, since cotton is a natural fibre, the washing process will cause it to soften itself; there's no need to add fabric conditioner. Organic cotton softens naturally with usage, water and washing. Meanwhile, using a fabric conditioners might only cause the fabric to lose its sheen.
You should be looking for a range from 200 to 400. If the number is between 150 and 180, then the sheets are going to be rough and not at all soft. A number over 400 means that the fibers are likely woven together to get an inflated figure.
But then, in spite of being purchased from the best Egyptian linens outlet, these sheets tend to be a tad coarse and hard when taken out of their new packets. Regular wash and the use of high-quality softeners make them all the more comfortable and softer over time.
High thread counts can certainly make for better, more comfortable sheets, but the quality of the thread matters more than the number. In fact, a better-quality fiber with a lower thread count will feel softer and stand up to washing better than a lower-quality fiber with a higher thread count.
If you use a sheet set every day of the year, you'll need to replace it after about two years. However, luxury cotton sheets, like percale and sateen, can offer another year or so of use. And with linen, you'll get three to five years — sometimes more.
Fortunately, the quality of Egyptian cotton bedding means that it gets softer with every wash without every pilling, tearing, or becoming scratchy to the touch. Made with extra-long staple fibers, Egyptian cotton is at once highly durable and deliciously silky.
100% Cotton bedding is naturally hypoallergenic, and breathable, making it the most desirable option for allergy sufferers. People with allergies or sensitive skin often find that Polycotton bed sheets make them itch.
Cotton has a clean, cool, and soft feel and gets softer with every wash. These sheets are a good option for those with sensitive skin. These sheets are easy to clean and less likely to shrink.
In general, cotton sheets should feel breathable and soft. Cotton sheets sleep cool, making them a great pick for hot sleepers.
The higher the thread count, the finer and more luxurious the fabric will feel. Cotton percale sheets found in hotels usually have a thread count between 250 and 600, while cotton sateen sheets will usually have a thread count between 300 and 600.
Generally, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet, and the more likely it will wear well — or even soften — over time. Good sheets range anywhere from 200 to 800, although you'll occasionally see numbers over 1,000.
What's the best thread count for sheets? In our tests, top-rated bed sheets often have thread counts between 300 and 500. Anything above 500 isn't necessarily better (so don't be deceived when you see thread counts over 1,500), and on the flip side, you can still find quality sheets with thread counts under 300.
It Isn't Woven Properly
Next, there is combed cotton, which is a process that softens naturally rough cotton fibers. If this doesn't occur enough times, the resulting t-shirt will be stiff and scratchy.
Over time, your sheets – like any other type of fabric – will develop a scratchy and bumpy surface. Pilling, fuzz balls, old fabric softener residue, etc. – all contribute to that dry or crusty surface that is anything but cozy and inviting.
Laundry detergent residue can build up on the sheets leaving them with that stiff feeling. If you don't use a fabric conditioner at all, the fabric fibres can become brittle, leaving them feeling scratchy. Overtime bobbles and pilling starts forming on the sheets creating a surface that can feel rough.
You should probably change your bedsheets once a week. Think about it: You spend hours in bed every night, and your sheets collect skin flakes and an assortment of bodily fluids and oils. Then there's stuff like dust, dust mites, and (if you have a cat or dog) pet hair.
Cleaning cotton sheets once a week is usually often enough to ensure a healthy sleeping environment but not so much that you'll break down the fabric prematurely. Weekly washes should include your pillowcases, fitted sheet and top sheet if you use one, as these pieces are in direct contact with your skin.
Do You Really Need to Wash New Sheets Before Using Them? The short answer is — yes. Why? Because sheets are produced in dusty, dirty factories and often made with dyes and chemicals like butane, propane, and formaldehyde that can irritate skin, eyes, and airways, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies.